Social dominance in wild and domestic Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1972
Authors:Boreman, J, Price, E
Journal:Animal Behaviour
Volume:20
Date Published:1972
ISBN Number:0003-3472
Keywords:Rattus norvegicus
Abstract:

Differences in the relative social dominance of wild, hybrid and domestic strains of Norway rats are observed in mixed groups (twelve animals each) housed in a large room for 13 consecutive days. Domestic subjects are dominant to wild rats in both spontaneous and competitive interactions. Hybrids are intermediate. Explanations offered for the superior dominance of the domestic strain included: (a) the lack of social inhibitions displayed by domestic rats as reflected in frequent play-motivated interactions ([`]bully effect'), and (b) the larger body size of the domestic subjects. Domestic subjects are most active and interacted most frequently. Dominance behaviour does not influence nest box utilization. Dominance in spontaneous and competitive interactions is not correlated suggesting that in the rat social dominance is not a unidimensional trait.

URL:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347272800186
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